Word Origin & History

delirium tremens 1813, medical L., lit. "trembling delirium," introduced 1813 by British physician Thomas Sutton, for "that form of delirium which is rendered worse by bleeding, but improved by opium. By Rayer and subsequent writers it has been almost exclusively applied to delirium resulting from the abuse of alcohol" [Sydenham Society Lexicon of Medicine].

Example Sentences for delirium tremens

Patients suffering from delirium tremens, for instance, may die suddenly in the midst of a paroxysm of excitement.

For a while he idled, and then he had an attack of delirium tremens.

I saw more cases of delirium tremens in America, than I ever heard of before.

And you couldn't do any work for nearly two weeks; and you had delirium tremens.

Another came off suffering from delirium tremens and epileptic fits, brought on by drink.

I can't think of anything but delirium tremens, but that's not it.

They say that in delirium tremens you see a fixed object, preferably dark, which suddenly changes shape and position.

He thinks, that he has all the worst symptoms of delirium tremens.

After supper pap took the jug, and said he had enough whisky there for two drunks and one delirium tremens.

Hoag believed that he was intoxicated, that delirium tremens had overtaken him.